The le Carré Cast - A podcast on John le Carré novels

Exploring the works of John le Carré, each episode looks at a specific novel or an unexplored aspect of his life and work. Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of espionage John le Carré has revealed.

Our Game by John le Carré Explored – Part 2

In this episode, novelist Michael Idov returns to discuss John le Carré’s novel Our Game. Michael has written for numerous publications, was the Editor in chief of GQ Russia, is also a screenwriter and director and author of the new spy novel The Collaborators. We talk about where Our Game should fit in the le […]

09-02
34:34

Our Game by John le Carré Explored – Part 1

In this episode, novelist Michael Idov joins me to discuss John le Carré’s novel Our Game. Michael has written for numerous publications, was the Editor in chief of GQ Russia, is also a screenwriter and director and author of the new spy novel The Collaborators. We talk about why we enjoy one of le Carré’s […]

08-04
40:55

The Constant Gardener by John le Carré Explored – Part 2

In this episode, novelist Scott O’Connor returns to continue our discussion of John le Carré’s novel The Constant Gardener. We explore significant characters like Tessa and Arnold Bloom, discussing their roles and revelations about sexuality and societal norms in Kenya. We also talk about the moral complexities faced by Justin, and just what the one […]

06-23
52:40

The Constant Gardener by John le Carré Explored – Part 1

In this episode, creative writing teacher and acclaimed writer Scott O’Connor joins to explore the layered complexities of John le Carré’s novel The Constant Gardener. The discussion ranges from O’Connor’s initial discovery of le Carrés works while researching for his own novel, Half World, to the idea that readers often connect with books differently depending […]

06-09
54:53

High Church/Low Church – An explainer

In this mini episode, Mark Meynell returns to explain just what that whole High Church/Low Church concept discussed in A Murder of Quality is about. Mark explains the historical and social distinctions between the two, detailing how Anglicanism and its relationship with non-conformist denominations shaped British society and class systems over time. He also touches […]

06-02
09:57

A Legacy of Spies by John le Carre Explored – Part 2

In the latest episode of the le Carré Cast, host Jeff continues his discussion with Mark Meynell about the themes and narrative intricacies of John le Carré’s A Legacy of Spies. The conversation explores how le Carré revisits and deconstructs the world and characters he created in The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, […]

05-26
44:26

A Legacy of Spies by John le Carre Explored – Part 1

In this episode of the le Carré Cast, host Jeff speaks with Mark Meynell, a freelance writer and author of ten non-fiction books, about his transition to writing fiction and his recent book, ‘A Wilderness of Mirrors.’ The discussion covers Mark’s discovery of John le Carré’s works, particularly A Legacy of Spies. They delve into […]

05-12
45:30

Interview – Nick Harkaway on Upcoming le Carre Projects

In part two of my discussion with Sleeper Beach novelist Nick Harkaway we discuss the latest in le Carré news. Nick talks about the upcoming adaptation of one of his novels into an Amason Prime show Kill Jackie, season 2 of The Night Manager and an update about the new comic series, The Circus: Losing […]

04-28
39:57

Interview – Nick Harkaway on Sleeper Beach

In this episode I am pleased to welcome back novelist Nick Harkaway. We discuss his latest work, Sleeper Beach, the second in his Titanium Noir series of futuristic mysteries. We talk about his earlier nonfiction book The Blind Giant, how we should be using technologies, and what does it mean when tech companies turn un-Evil. […]

04-14
41:59

Tod Hoffman on le Carré’s Landscape

In this episode I welcome Tod Hoffman, author of Le Carré Landscape, to the show. Tod is a former Canadian Intelligence Officer and used that knowledge to write his insightful book looking at le Carré’s work. We discuss le Carré’s use of interrogation in his novels, slow moving bureaucracy versus moving quickly and his decision […]

03-31
01:06:21

Legacy of Spies TV series – Emergency Podcast

In this episode we break down the news of a new George Smiley TV series – Legacy of Spies. I have TV and Film expert Matthew Bradford on to talk through what we know and might expect to come. We talk about the long gestating project, producers, and casting. All that and much more in […]

03-15
41:16

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – 50 years, 50 facts – 1 to 10

In this episode we are celebrating 50 years of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by counting up to 50 interesting things about the book. For numbers one to ten I’m welcoming Matthew Bradford back to the podcast. We talk that iconic cover, opening line and dig into the mystery of who the novel was dedicated to. […]

02-17
40:27

Ben H. Winters on reading John le Carre

In this episode I speak to author Ben H. Winters about his Crime Reads article “In Praise of Reading Le Carré’s Entire Oeuvre In Order”. We talk about the joys of reading an author’s work from start to finish, the connection between author and reader as well as The Looking Glass War as The Bad […]

02-04
53:27

Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway Explored Part Two

In this episode we continue to look at Nick Harkaway’s 2024 George Smiley novel, Karla’s Choice. You can find part one here. Steven Ritterman, le Carré expert and collector, returns to talk through what we thought about this new Smiley novel. Plus, an exclusive discussion with Nick Harkaway about Karla’s choice. All that and much […]

01-20
42:19

Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway Explored Part One

In this episode we look at Nick Harkaway’s 2024 George Smiley novel, Karla’s Choice. Steven Ritterman, le Carré expert and collector, joins me to talk through all of our thoughts on this Smiley continuation novel. We talk reference Jurassic Park’s famous quote “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if […]

01-09
46:15

The le Carre Cast 2024 recap

In this episode I’ve pulled some of my favorite clips from shows this past year. If you missed an episode or enjoyed the shows from this past year, I think you’ll enjoy it. Listen in for the cream of the crop! Dominic Sandbrook on le Carré Paul French on The Honourable Schoolboy Mac Rodgers on […]

12-26
01:02:59

The Great Blurb Scandal

This episode the le Carré Cast delves into the world of true crime with a look at one of the strangest moments in le Carré’s literary history. You won’t read about this one in Sisman’s biography! Settle in for the case of the fake blurbs. Further Reading Sources used to write this post are below. […]

12-23
16:14

Absolute Friends by John le Carré Explored Part 2

In this episode we continue to look at John le Carré’s 2003 novel, Absolute Friends. Shane Whaley, host of the Spybrary podcast, is back to break down all of the action in this novel. We talk about the dramatic end of the novel, Mundy and Sasha’s motives and talk about the dangers of entrapment. Plus, […]

12-09
43:05

Absolute Friends by John le Carré Explored Part 1

In this episode we look at John le Carré’s 2003 novel, Absolute Friends. Shane Whaley, host of the Spybrary podcast joins the show to look at one of his favorite le Carré novels. We talk about the enigma that is Absolute Friends lead character Ted Mundy. How many trips over the wall does it take […]

11-26
45:25

Interview – David Eldridge on The Spy Who Came in from the Cold Stage Play

Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary donation to the Literally Healing program or go to TinyURL.com/TeamE24, pick a book and make sure to pick Team Evie as the shipping location. That’s so much for your support. In this episode […]

11-12
55:44

grahamjameshill@msn.com

great stuff Jeff. I listen to Barbican and spybrary and this is a great idea I'm a big fan of Eric ambler and just discovered the other stuff that Francis durbridge did about Tim fraser keep up the good work regards graham

04-09 Reply

grahamjameshill@msn.com

sir this is super Mr quest I stumbled upon this having.heard Shane's spybrary and your marvelous Barbican station if there is any way I can assist please let me know massive regards Graham

04-08 Reply

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